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Like despite common belief, Amador Valley isn't really a "great school". Yes, many students take AP courses and score high on exams, but the learning environment isn't really that great. Many students are study geeks and can care less about other things in lives, while some students hold somewhat of "bigoted" ideas. The administration (across the PUSD) isn't really tolerant of students at some times and they do not care how the students feel. Amador may also have one of the best marching band programs in the area, but if you were to experience it yourself, it isn't that great. Many members in leadership positions will look down upon individuals across campus because of "certain things" and in fact the way the program is set up, it encourages it.

- submitted by a student

January 25, 2015

My daughter, in 9th grade, has had an excellent experience so far. The marching band has a wonderful group of kids, providing a good peer group to start high school with. There are good extra-curricular clubs - my daughter was surprised by how much she liked activities in a business-related club called DECA. The community is very involved, with a lot of parent volunteering making activities affordable. She likes her classes. A couple of the teachers are very demanding, and grade tough - but she likes them and puts in a lot of effort - neither she nor I mind that she may have a B in these. I would like the homework load to be a bit less, but am not sure it would be any different in another school. If I could change one thing, it would be the school start-time - push it out an hour so that teens can get more morning-sleep, which is healthier for their mind and body - but that is a Bay Area problem - to achieve that, many schools in the region would have to coordinate on athletics schedules. Maybe a few of us parents can get a grounds-up movement put together in this context...

- submitted by a parent

May 24, 2014

Amador High School continues to assign insane, destructive amounts of work to kids. Sounds great, right? Wrong. I know 2 different kids who were hospitalized from stress. My own child, once bright and curious, now refuses to even consider college. Amador beat the curiosity right out of her and replaced it will dull hate. Pleasanton schools have high test scores but at the expense of destroying children's emotional growth, in many cases driving them to anxiety attacks. 4 hours a night of homework, relentless pressure by teachers. Zero accountability. Teachers and administrators don't care. They want test scores at any price, and are willing to ignore teen's health to get them. There was open revolt in Pleasanton in 2010 and 2011 with parents forming a group to pressure the school system to stop abusing their power in this matter. The school system printed a new policy cuting back on homework abuse...and teachers simply ignore it. If you are a parent who wants to pressure your kid to get into Berkeley at any cost, and are willing to risk their mental health to get there, and are willing to risk your families' integrity, then by all means, come to Pleasanton.

- submitted by a parent

September 23, 2013

Amador, since then and till now, had always been a school that's very rich in diversity. It's not only rich in academic programs, but also in the different ways to challenge yourself. With that in mind, the atmosphere, in contrast to schools in South Bay or maybe Fremont, is much easier to deal with, and you do find a lot of staff that's always willing to give you a hand when you are struggling with any hardship. However, that also means you need to be more diligent on your own. Amador is just too big for those who are expecting to be centered all the time. You may not be feeling it, but when you are starting to lose your reputation on hard working, you will eventually find out that you are left behind. Get ready to enjoy the great environment that school gives you - but if just being average isn't your thing, it would be better to work hard.

- submitted by a student

September 17, 2012

I have to agree with the former student, that the teachers are hit and miss. Most of the teachers are highly motivated and student centered, willing to make time outside of class to help struggling students. Only a few teachers have not been responsive to parent emails, most are willing to meet with student and parent. Administration is awesome. Principal knows all the students and walks around campus at lunch connecting with them. Assistant Principals are also very connected with the student body. While the school has 3 special education classrooms there is no specific program to integrate special education students into the extra-curricular and club activities of the school, though in general the student body is open and welcoming to these students. The administration is making a concerted effort to prevent bullying among students and staff. There's a PTA with a lot of parental involvement, especially for the senior class parents.

- submitted by a parent

November 28, 2011

Amador is a great school but like any other large public school, it is really upto the student. There is no hand holding here. Teachers can be a hit or miss. Again, it is a good school if students are self motivated and seek out opportunities. But this is the case with all large public schools. Overall good but be prepared to sail on your own for most part.

- submitted by a parent

November 01, 2011

As a graduate I could not complain ten years ago, this school was fun, full off cooperative staff and students alike. Compared to my little brothers school now as a Sr. in Nevada, this school was the best!!!

- submitted by a community member

September 14, 2011

this is a great school im a freshman here and i love it! it s such a cool school

- submitted by a student

April 18, 2011

Amador is an all around great school- committed to excellence. Has one of the highest rates of AP passing grades in states!

- submitted by a parent

March 12, 2011

I moved to Pleasanton relatively recently. After going to Amador Valley High School for some time, I've noticed several things. - Plenty to do. There is a plethora of classes to take, and many, many interesting clubs. There's never enough time to take a look at everything at this school. Definitely plenty of opportunities for leadership if you try hard enough to look for them. - Very competitive atmosphere. There's daily drama between the "high-performance" students about things like grades, test scores, and extracurricular stuff. It's definitely not a healthy atmosphere. - Beware of foreign language. The foreign language department here is really, really bad. Some of the teachers are laughably bad. So for foreign language, I would probably have been better off studying on my own out of a textbook. - Teachers vary wildly. There are lots of fantastic, excellent teachers (especially in history, math, English) and some of really bad teachers who show no passion in teaching. Watch out for who you get, and ask around. You can always switch teachers during the 1st week of each semester. Overall, AVHS is a great school. I would definitely recommend this school over many others.

- submitted by a student

no rating
November 06, 2009

I love Amador because it is doing great things academically for my two daughters, a Junior and a Sophomore! Keep up the great work!

Amador is an amazing school with gifted teachers. The band program is extremely accomplished, as are the other student bodies on campus.

- submitted by a student

no rating
October 04, 2009

Amador was a very well established school. The administration was great and the policies were fair. The teachers were Super.

- submitted by a community member

September 06, 2009

My son graduated from Amador Valley in 2007. In my opinion, Amador Valley is one of the top high schools in the nation. The teaching staff is second to none and the music program is one of the finest in the state. I feel very fortunate to have had my son attend Amador.

- submitted by a parent

April 29, 2009

My children attended Amador coming from the east coast, actually from schools rated in the top 10% of the top state in the country. They were straight A students. Coming to Amador, We had considerable problems adjusting to the campus philosophy and attitude. Some teachers had a superiority attitude, although other were OK. The campus is efficiently and beautifully built. HOWEVER, the philosophy of teaching is, however subtle, somehow different than other schools in the state. There are basic leadership outreach problems growing that are not always addressed by the staff. If you are in the top 10%, you are fine, the school will take EXCEPTIONAL care of you. If you are a middle to low student, you swim on your own. Not enough effort is given them. We moved to another district, all my kids are back up to straight A's. Same with another family we know. Go figure!

- submitted by a parent

January 26, 2008

This is an excellent school. The atmosphere, even when you just walk on campus, is positive and happy. The teachers I have met are dedicated, enthusiastic and professional. We have been part of the school for 4 years, having come from Harvest Park MIddle School. We have been very pleased with all the opportunities the school offers. It is well rounded, not just rich kids as some have previously written. Your child can make the most of him or herself at Amador Valley, and have a great high school experience!

- submitted by a parent

December 06, 2007

Amador Valley is amazing. The varied curriculum conforms to the needs of any student and all of the staff members on campus make an effort to get to know students on a more personal and understanding level, rather than just the simple teacher-student relationship. Athletics are of the highest caliber and a large variety of other extra-curricular activities are offered as well. Of utmost importance, however, is the overwhelming amount of school spirit the students and staff have. The Don Squad, as it is known, is by far the most popular student organization on campus and works to promote school pride without putting down their competitors (which is a growing problem at neighboring high schools). For the most part, students want to be at Amador, which is a quality not found in very many schools.

- submitted by a student

November 28, 2007

Amador is an amazing school! It is not only one of the best high schools in the bay area, but it also prepares you for college with AP and honor classes with outstanding teachers, has a diverse student population, and provides a friendly and comfortable atmosphere for students! The Amador Way is what Amador stands for, the school spirit is amazing! I know first hand, I graduated Class of 2007.

- submitted by a student

November 27, 2006

Great teachers. Teachers teaching AP classes really prepare the students for success not only on the AP test in May but also college life. I would say most if not all teachers had at least some teaching experience. As a student of Amador for three years, I can say that it was the best academic experience ever. Great sport programs also add to the experience. The school recently added baseball and softball fields. If I remember correctly, there are two softball fields and two baseball fields. There is also a professionally maintained football field with a track. The school also built a new two-story building so the class sizes are not going to inflate. A large student parking lot makes students driving to school feasible.

- submitted by a student

May 10, 2005

Excellent school with a varied curriculum. Teachers are well educated and passionate about providing the best for our kids.

- submitted by a student

October 10, 2004

Well-rounded education, with a mix of academic and social opportunities. Families more well-to-do in this area than in earlier years. Also more cultural diversity than there used to be. Teachers are committed.

- submitted by a parent

October 10, 2004

Twenty years ago was the party school. Now with lots of new people moving to Pleasanton and more well-to-do families, it has improved academically and now provides a well-rounded and balanced educational experience. Caring teachers.

- submitted by a parent

September 12, 2004

Great school if you are looking for a school with poor leadership and rich kids with an out of control drug and alcohol problem. We moved our daughter to a larger city and we were told it would be worse. Well, it has been great. Best thing we ever did.

- submitted by a parent

December 01, 2003

Amador is an outstanding school because of outstanding teachers, administrators and community. The level of parental and community involvement is tremendous. I have had one son graduate from this high school, and his experience was excellent--in academics, athletics and various other programs. I have another son attending as a freshman, and his experience thus far is also excellent.

- submitted by a parent

June 20, 2003

My daughter just graduated from Amador Valley High School and I couldn't be more proud. She left with such a rewarding and lasting high school experience that I couldn't believe. Every teacher, administrator, and student played an important role in her education and social life. There were so many opportunities for her to become incolved in her class and school, such as the leadership class, athletics and all of the activities regarding Homecoming, class spirit, etc. She loved all of it!

- submitted by a community member

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